Shliach Helps Rescue Jabotinsky’s Childhood Home

The childhood home of Likud ideological forebear Ze’ev Jabotinsky in Odessa, Ukraine, will be turned into a historic site rather than be demolished, following the efforts of Israeli Communications Minister Ayoub Kara and Chabad emissary to Odessa Rabbi Avrohom Wolff.

Kara flew to Ukraine last week after local media reports said Jabotinsky’s childhood home, built in 1880 on Odessa’s historic Jewish Street, was in danger. Seven high-rises are set to be built in close proximity to the building. Its current residents sent letters to President Reuven Rivlin and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko expressing concern the home would face irreparable damage.

Kara visited Jabotinsky’s house with local Chabad Rabbi Avraham Wolff, who introduced him to Odessa Mayor Gennadiy Trukhanov. Kara encouraged Trukhanov to save the home of “one of the fathers of modern Zionism, an extraordinary and significant person, and a great leader who we grew up learning about and admiring.”

Kara met with other municipality officials as well, who promised that the structure in which Jabotinsky lived will be preserved as a Jewish and Zionist heritage site. In addition, Odessa will dedicate an “Israeli” park named after Jabotinsky.